Fungal patch on face?

[Gina Viglietti]

I'm not sure if my axolotl has the beginning of a fungus infection on his face. There's a light patch that I haven't noticed before on the left side of his face.

Let me know if it's anything I need to worry about, and if so, what treatments are recommended.

Thanks so much!

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[Skudo09]

Does it appear raised and cotton wool like in appearance? Or does it look more flat? Could you post water parameters including ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, PH and temperature?

 

[Gina Viglietti]

It's flat, just looks like a lighter patch.

At the moment I don't have a testing kit. I tried to get another one at the shop today and they were out of stock. They only had the strips which I know are inaccurate. I just gave the tank floor a bit of a clean with a turkey baster and took out and replaced some of the water just in case.

Could he be low on some vitamins? I usually feed my axies a mix of bloodworm and fresh earth worms. The weather's been very dry lately so I haven't managed to find any earth worms for the last two months. Could that be the issue?

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[Skudo09]

What is the temperature in the tank?

Bloodworm is not suitable as a staple diet and probably not the best for a couple of months but I would suspect the patch is due to the water quality, maybe heat stress rather than dietary.

 

[Gina Viglietti]

You are probably right. The temps 21 degrees celsius, just above room temperature. I've got them in what I think is the coolest part of my flat. I've been putting some iced water in the tank every second day but it's been hard keeping the tank cool. We're in the middle of a heatwave. Do you have any suggestions on keeping the tank cool, I'd really appreciate it.

I ordered some newt and salamander pellets for them the other day. They don't sell them in the shops here. Is there anything else I could give them to supplement their diet other than bloodworm and earthworms in the meantime?


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[AxolotlChris]

High quality carnivore pellets should be fine until earthworms are available. A mix of worms and pellets are one of the best staple diets.

To cool your tank you probably want to invest in a chiller, its the most consistent method of cooling.

Otherwise your looking at using ice cold towels wrapped around the tank, or placing frozen bottles of water in the tank, but these are not consistent methods of cooling and can fluctuate the temperature which is not good. You could try placing fans blowing on the surface of the water but this might only make a difference of 1-2 degrees.

 

[LSuzuki]

The amount of cooling fans provide depends on the humidity and air flow. If it is very dry, you will get more cooling, if humid, less (which is a shame, since the humid summer weather is when I need the cooling.)

Also, make sure you have eliminated nearby heat sources as much as possible, like lights. (Just turn them on when you want to see your axie, then turn them back off.) If sun shines on the tank during any time of the day, close the curtains or whatever to block it.

 

[Gina Viglietti]

Ergh, I should get a tank chiller. They're just so expensive! Do you have any suggestions for brands to go for? I'll try the frozen water bottle in the meantime.

The tanks in a corner where there's no direct light. But my flat is quite warm at the moment because of this current heatwave.

Ok, you sure the carnivorous fish pellets are ok? Thanks so much guys for your help

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[AxolotlChris]

Yes a chiller is the best option for your climate, especially if you find your self not at home for any long period of time. Messing with light bulbs, fans and frozen water bottles is not worth it. A chiller will give you a consistent temperature and a healthy environment for your Axolotls.

I'm not sure what chillers are available in your country, perhaps check your local aquatic stores/reputable online stores and then look for reviews online.

Axolotls are carnivores, you can check the content of pellets to see if they are okay to feed.
Caudata Culture Articles - Nutritional Values This article shows the content for pellets made by Rangen Inc. 'They are vitamin and mineral fortified, fishmeal-based sinking pellets, 1/8" (3 mm) in diameter'